It's no secret many parents get totally stressed out over the birthday party thing! Some parents want to throw a huge birthday celebration for that first birthday and others prefer a much smaller event to celebrate. Decisions, should you have a big party, inviting lots of kids or should you keep it small and just invite the grandparents or close aunts and uncles.

For a first birthday party the number of people you invite will not be as important as it would be for an older child. As children get older they get there own ideas of who they want at their birthday party so enjoy the smaller more intimate parties when they are young. Babies will enjoy seeing a bright birthday cake and playing with a box or wrapping paper so no stress there.

for a first birthday set a time frame for guests, so that when it's bed time for baby you can get them settled down

make it special with a fun themed birthday cake or cupcakes, animal themes are cute and will make your baby smile

keep the party food simple, order fruit platters or cheese platters if you'd rather not do these yourself, it will save you time and stress

you can always ask for help with food, get grandma or auntie involved here, most are happy to bring something if asked in advance

get pictures early on before the baby gets a little overwhelmed and fussy